THE poets forced to find cash for using their community hall have won a reprieve after the council eased its demands.
The New Journal reported in January that the council was demanding £9,000 annual rent from the poets at Torriano Meeting House in Torriano Avenue, Kentish Town. After 22 years free use of the meeting house, Camden’s about-face threatened the future of the Torriano Poets’ famed Sunday night meetings.
But now the poets have been told that they can have the meeting house rent-free for another quarter – April to June – while they search for funds.
The council now insists the poets raise £6,000 over the year through hire charges, rehearsal incomes and a Friends scheme.
Torriano founder John Rety has been in negotiations with the Survivors Poetry organisation, which is considering moving into the building and stumping up the rent.
Phil Poole, one of the poets, said: “I suppose this concession has come from the council because of the negotiations. We need the time this gives us. But it’s only a stay of execution. After June, I don’t know what happens.”
Councillor Phil Turner, Executive Member for Leisure and Community Services, said: “We have a duty to Camden residents to ensure that the money that Camden Council pays out in grants to voluntary and community organisations is spent effectively and productively.
“We expect these organisations to show that they are actively working to attract funds from other sources.”